MIAMI VALLEY — Sending your child to school is expensive.
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As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, when you enroll your child in a private school, you expect to pay tuition.
But the truth is, even if your child attends a public school or is home-schooled, that will also cost you.
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News Center 7’s Letitia Perry spoke with several families. They did their back-to-school shopping at a local Walmart store.
One family has five kids, all ages from 17 to two years old.
The oldest girl is in eighth grade and every involved in cheerleading and sports.
“It really gives me something to do, keeps me out of trouble, and something to look forward to after school,” said Dalashai Lipscomb.
Her mom says to make the most of the back-to-school shopping for five kids, she has a strategy.
“I usually start in the middle of July, look for all of the deals, rewards programs, extra 20 percent off, and hone in on that,” said Donise Walker.
She told Perry that there are obvious costs to sending kids back to school. But “the hidden costs” can add up.
It includes uniforms, transportation, athletic fees, and medical checkups.
But there are more.
“We start with haircuts; shirts, shorts, and pants,” said Walker. “Backpacks, school supplies, he’s allergic, whole separate menu.”
News Center 7 met another couple who homeschool their three kids.
Mom and Dad came prepared with a shopping list for school.
“Notebooks, scissors, pencils, erasers, lunchboxes,” they said.
They agree, even with homeschooling, education is not free or cheap.
“Well, yeah, it’s a myth. Prices are going up on everything right now... more bang for your buck,” said Corey Melton.
Compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic, analysts say that the cost of school supplies has increased an average of 24 percent.
Parents are expected to pay about 6 percent more for school supplies than last year.
Even with sales, giveaways, and store membership points, Walker says budgeting is always key.
“I do budget. I’m spending this amount per kid,” she told Perry.
The good news is that despite tariffs kicking in, retailers planned ahead and have plenty of supplies available his year.
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